BMW is preparing one of its most radical performance cars ever, BMW’s Electric M3. While the idea of an electric M car may worry purists, BMW is taking an unusual approach to preserve emotional driving feel. The brand has gone back into its history, recording the sounds of some of its most iconic gasoline engines to create a unique soundtrack for its upcoming electric sports sedan.
The result could mean that the electric M3 may echo the character of legendary engines, including a 5.0-LITER V-10.
BMW Is Recording Its Most Iconic M Engines
In a recently released development video, BMW revealed that its engineers entered a professional recording studio with several historic M models. The goal was to capture authentic engine sounds that defined different eras of BMW M performance.
The cars recorded include the F82 M4 GTS with its twin-turbo 3.0-LITER INLINE-SIX, the E92 M3 GTS powered by a naturally aspirated 4.4-LITER V-8, and the legendary E64 M6 featuring a 5.0-LITER V-10.
Each engine contributes a different emotional tone, from deep bass notes to high-revving intensity. BMW says these recordings are essential for shaping the lower-frequency elements of the electric M3’s sound.
BMW’s Electric M3: Why Electric Cars Need Artificial Sound
Electric motors naturally produce a high-pitched whine, especially under acceleration. While this is efficient and quiet, it lacks the emotional feedback that performance drivers expect.
BMW engineers explained that the recorded combustion-engine sounds will not simply be replayed. Instead, they will form the low-frequency foundation of a new digital soundscape. This will then be blended with the natural electric-motor tones to create a completely new performance soundtrack.
The intention is not to imitate a specific engine, but to recreate the emotional sensation associated with classic BMW M cars.
BMW’s Electric M3: No Fake Engine Selection Menu
Unlike some experimental EV concepts from other manufacturers, BMW does not plan to let drivers choose specific engine sounds from a menu. You will not be able to switch between inline-six, V-8, or V-10 modes.
Instead, the system dynamically blends multiple sound elements based on throttle input, speed, and driving mode. The result should feel organic rather than artificial, changing naturally as the car accelerates or decelerates.
BMW wants the experience to feel authentic rather than gimmicky.
BMW’s Electric M3: Final Thoughts
The upcoming electric M3 represents one of the most important transitions in BMW’s performance history. While it will no longer burn fuel, it aims to preserve the emotion, feedback, and excitement that made the M3 legendary.
If BMW succeeds, the iM3 may prove that electric performance does not have to be silent or soulless. Instead, it could become a bridge between the brand’s iconic past and its fully electric future, with the spirit of inline-sixes, V-8s, and even V-10s living on in digital form.
